An economy-minded car with a performance-oriented heart.
If you want to see a textbook definition of a sleeper, this 1978 Chevrolet Malibu is it! The Malibu being sold by Streetside Classics of Atlanta might look like just a well-preserved classic, but anyone who lines up against this car will quickly learn what it's packing under the hood.
From the outside, this 1978 Chevrolet Malibu looks impressive for a 41-year-old car, but nothing stands out that would suggest this is coupe is a sleeper. Sure, the alloy wheels and burgundy paint job add a sporty style to the car, but the body and stance are all original – the builder of this car even resisted the urge to install a cowl inducted hood! Inside, the only hint of performance modifications comes from the Monte Carlo gauge cluster and the Buick T-Type steering wheel, and like the outside, the interior of this car looks factory fresh and remarkably clean.
While the '78 Malibu was available with a pair of V6s and GM's 305 CID V8, this bad boy is powered by a pair of fuel-injected 350 CID LT-1 V-8 that was derived from a C4 Corvette, which means you're looking at 350 horsepower and 379 lb-ft of torque – and that is if no other engine mods were made. This engine mates to a four-speed automatic that sends power to the rear tires through 3.42 gears and tears up pavement with its 15-inch BFGoodrich rubber.
This unassuming family car lives its life a quarter-mile at a time, and it can be yours today. Streetside Classics has this sleeper of a 1978 Chevrolet Malibu listed for $20,995, but if you want to embarrass some wannabe street racers, you can always click HERE to make an offer on this car.